"I think she'll come through it fine. She's very healthy generally and I'm sure she will come through it."

Another Neighbours co-star and former boyfriend Jason Donovan said: "I sincerely wish her well with her treatment, Kylie is a strong woman who will fight this battle on every front."

Minogue's pop star sister Dannii said Kylie would take heart from all the messages of support.

She said: "We're all very thankful for the endless messages of love and support Kylie has been receiving - I know all your kind thoughts will mean the world to her as she gets better."

'Hugs and kisses'

Minogue rose to fame in the 1980s as an actress in the popular soap opera Neighbours and later launched a pop career which has spawned 37 hit singles in the UK.

She was due to end her tour as the headline act at the Glastonbury Festival on 26 June, but has cancelled her appearance.

Glastonbury festival co-organiser Emily Eavis said: "It's really sad news for Kylie. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this very difficult time."

She added: "It's much too early to speculate who may replace Kylie in the programme."

In sending his support to Minogue, Pete Waterman said: "I am so shocked to hear this news, particularly since (songwriter) Mike Stock and I had a very poignant reunion with her at her recent Earls Court gig where there were a lot of hugs and kisses.

"My very best wishes go to her, and of course her family, at this difficult time."

Minogue has helped raise money for breast cancer causes over recent years. One of her skimpiest bras was sold at auction for £2,400 three years ago for Breast Cancer Care.